Merzouga, the ideal destination for your vacation and things to do
Desert is a common travel destination for people seeking to venture into the exotic, savor serenity and embark on a breathtaking out-of-the-ordinary journey. As harsh and arid as it is, the desert is undoubtedly a vast expanse of timeless beauty and wonder; particularly if it is the largest in the world, the African Sahara Desert. On the western edge of the Sahara lies the Moroccan famous little town Merzouga, where the dry landscape is at its most spectacular.
Being a top tourist attraction in Africa, Merzouga offers stunning scenery of enormous unspoiled sand dunes, glorious starry nights free from light pollution, an interesting culture and a variety of wonderful activities.
Things to do in Merzouga
Camel trekking: one of the most enjoyable activities to do in Merzouga is to get on the hump of a camel and trek through the golden sand sea while appreciating the Saharan atmosphere around.
Spend a night in a desert camp: tents are a major accommodation in the area. From Merzouga, set off on a camel towards the middle of the dunes where an unforgettable night awaits you! Get to live the traditional way, eat traditional food and delight in the local drum music while relaxing around a campfire. Of course, you cannot miss the tranquil, epic starry sky!
Quadbiking: if you are into some more adventure and extra entertainment, then quadbiking is for you. Accompanied by a local guide, hold onto your handlebars and race the winds over the sandy hills. Ride over the dunes to closely explore and behold what the desert has to offer.
Watch sunset: Whether by camels, quads or on foot, climb up as high as you can and seize the chance to see one of the most charming sunset views in the world. Watch the sun as it sinks down the horizon, leaving behind an attractive twilight.
Visit the Gnawa village: on the outskirts of Merzouga is the famous village of Khamlia, where you can go for an authentic music party made by the local Gnawa people with their traditionally-made drums.
Visit the lake nearby: although not always full, the lake makes for an exceptional panoramic view of water and desert flora with sand dunes appearing in the background. You will also see several species of birds, sometimes including Flamingos.
Sandboarding: since you are in a place of sand, why not give it a try! You can easily find a board in your hotel/bivouac, which you can usually use for free.
The town of Merzouga serves as an easy access to the Sahara Desert and because of its international popularity, it warmly welcomes several hundreds of tourists per day. There are many ways to get there; the best and the most common of which is by joining a trip from Marrakesh or Fes.